As with all of Hart’s rom coms, this was a low angst, fun read with plenty of banter. It was definitely lacking in the romance department for me, but makes a solid series starter for what could be an interesting series of standalones. This is technically written in British English, but I honestly didn’t notice much of a difference, so don’t let that hold you back from reading. This lighthearted read is sweet and playful, with a little bit of forced proximity and a little bit of opposites attract.
The story follows Gabriella, a woman who grew up as part of the British aristocracy. Her family has been pushing her to marry someone with a title, but the kind, free-spirited woman isn’t all that concerned about it. She loves gardening and wants to pursue her own interests, which might come as a surprise to some – including the grumpy gardener who avoids her as much as possible. But when Gabriella and Miles get stuck together during a storm, the commoner realizes that the only one standing in the way of a potential relationship is him.
While I love the author’s banter and easy writing style, I honestly just couldn’t get into this. It seems to focus on everything BUT the romance, with a slow burn that felt more like a budding friendship for the vast majority of the book. And there was a surprising lack of heat, which didn’t help matters – there’s a distinct lack of sexual tension. This is one of those tough reviews where all I can really do is shrug and say that I didn’t love it. There are no major roadblocks to enjoying this low angst rom com and I’d be curious to check out more from the series, but this was not really a win for me. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this easygoing romance.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E3rYCe
Blurb:
An aristocrat and a gardener walk into a bar, and the barman says—never mind. They walked into a shed, and they’re kissing. Oops.
My name is Lady Gabriella Hastings, and there are three things you need to know about me.
One: my idiot brother will inherit the estate I’ve adored my entire life. Two: my father wants me to marry an idiot who has an estate like this. Three: my aunt’s goats keep escaping and terrorising the public.
Oh, and I have a huge crush on the gardener.
Except I have absolutely no time to sort my own love life, because I’m too busy moonlighting as an online agony aunt to fix everyone else’s problems.
If only I could stop having inappropriate feelings about Miles Kingsley, the grumpy, bearded gardener of Arrowwood Hall.
He hates me, and I’m not quite sure why. My own horticultural dreams are about to slip through my fingers, and he’s the one person who can help me.
If only he wasn’t such a classist bas—ahem.
But when a storm leaves us stranded at the estate with no power, and one of my assignments means I need his help, and a fancy party forces truths to come to light, there might just be a chance for us after all…
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E3rYCe
About the Author:
Emma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels and has been translated into several different languages.
She is a mother, wife, lover of wine, Pink Goddess, and valiant rescuer of wild baby hedgehogs.
Emma prides herself on her realistic, snarky smut, with comebacks that would make a PMS-ing teenage girl proud.
Yes, really. She’s that sarcastic.
Keep up to date on her releases by following her on Amazon or signing up at http://emmahart.net/newsletter
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